Pine Tree Pirates' Chumley focused as fall football workouts start

After a breakout end to the 2012 season, the 6-5, 220-pound senior has racked up eight offers from Division I FBS schools and is on the radar for several more. He attended Texas Tech, Baylor, Houston and North Texas camps over the summer and picked up a preseason nod from Dave Campbell's Texas Football.

With all the praise and attention, Chumley is focused on one thing: the upcoming season.

"It's good for me to know that there are people out there watching me," Chumley said. "It adds a little pressure but I'm not going to let it get to me.

"I'm focused on the season."

Pine Tree opens August workouts today with high expectations of a team returning several players on both sides off the ball, a new stadium and the of fseason addition of three-time state champion Barry Bowman as the defensive coordinator.

But Chumley, who will be the starting quarterback for the Pirates but has gained attention from colleges as a receiver as well, said it's just not the athletes taking the field, but the general mindset overall.

"I feel like it's going to be a much better season, it's not the athletes but it's the mindset that we want to be good," he said. "We've got to continue to play hard, continue to work hard and everyone's going to be there doing that.

"I expect to make the playoffs and I know we can do it. I know we have the talent and the potential to do it."

With expectations high as workouts begin, Chumley is keeping his focus on the field and the expectations in check.

"I just don't let it get to me, I try to keep a straight head and not get a big head about everything and take it for granted."

Adding to the excitement in the Pine Tree camp is the opening of a new athletic complex, set to be ready to go when the Pirates open the 2013 season.

"It's going to be exciting, everyone's excited about it," Chumley said. "I'm very excited about it personally, it's going to be my senior year and we're going to be the first one to play on it."

Asked if he and the rest of the Pirates are ready to defend their new home, the answer was quick and to the point.